The Crestwood Medical Center ALS Care Clinic has once again been recognized by the ALS Association as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence following completion of the organization’s 2025 review process.
The designation is the highest honor awarded by the ALS Association and recognizes clinics that meet rigorous standards for specialized clinical care, research participation, community engagement and partnerships supporting patients living with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
According to Crestwood officials, the Huntsville clinic remains the only ALS Association-designated Certified Treatment Center of Excellence in North Alabama.
The clinic’s multidisciplinary care team includes neurologists specializing in ALS care along with registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and registered dietitians.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our entire team,” said Sherry Kolodziejczak, director of the Crestwood ALS Clinic. “Our goal is to ensure every patient and family receives comprehensive, coordinated care while also advancing ALS research and education.”
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, patients lose the ability to control muscle movement, impacting walking, speaking, swallowing and eventually breathing.
For patient Robin Miller, the recognition highlights the importance of having specialized care available locally.
“Having a Center of Excellence close to home gives me peace of mind knowing that my treatment plan is developed by the latest research and carried out by a local team,” Miller said. “The team at Crestwood treats you like family.”
The recognition comes as Crestwood Medical Center became part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System following its acquisition from Community Health Systems earlier this year. Health system leaders previously said Crestwood will continue operating under its existing name with no immediate changes to services, physicians or day-to-day operations as it integrates into the broader regional network.
Crestwood officials said the ALS designation reinforces the hospital’s continued commitment to providing advanced ALS care and support services throughout North Alabama and surrounding communities.
The hospital also announced several upcoming fundraising and awareness events supporting ALS care and research, including Pints for PALS on June 3 at Green Bus Brewing, the ALS Association’s CEO Soak on July 16 at Purveyor and the Walk to Defeat ALS on Nov. 7 at Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Crestwood Medical Center is a 180-bed hospital serving North Alabama with approximately 2,200 healthcare professionals and more than 394,000 patient encounters annually.
